The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced a nationwide verification exercise for Private Tour Operators as part of its preparations for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah season.
The exercise followed the recent inauguration of the Committee on Licensing and Verification of Private Tour Operators by NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, at the Hajj House in Abuja. The committee is tasked with assessing and verifying all applications submitted by existing and prospective tour operators seeking accreditation for the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The verification process, which began in Kano State, is being conducted by officials from the Commission’s Tour Operators Unit under the Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing Department (OILS). The team is inspecting the physical offices of tour companies, reviewing documentation, evaluating staffing levels, and ensuring compliance with NAHCON’s operational guidelines.
A representative of the Commission highlighted that the aim of the exercise is to ensure that only credible, financially stable, and operationally prepared companies are granted licenses to manage pilgrim services.
“This process is essential for transparency, accountability, and quality assurance. It ensures that only operators who meet the Commission’s standards and Saudi Arabian regulatory requirements are accredited,” the official said.
During the committee’s inauguration, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to upholding high standards in pilgrimage operations. He emphasized that the credibility of licensed operators plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah programs.
The verification exercise will extend to other geopolitical zones in the coming days, covering both registered and aspiring tour operators across the country.
With this initiative, NAHCON has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing oversight and ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims whether traveling under state boards or private operators receive the highest standard of service and protection during the 2026 pilgrimage operations.
